By Kamil Opeyemi
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja division, has restrained the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) from embarking on strike over the removal of petrol subsidy.
The federal government had asked the court for an interim injunction restraining the labour unions from proceeding on the strike scheduled to begin on Wednesday.
Delivering the ruling on Monday, OY Anuwe, the presiding judge, said the unions should halt the planned strike pending the hearing and determination of the ex parte motion filed by the federal government.
The court in addition ordered that the defendants be served immediately with the processes in the suit, the Motion on Notice and the order of the court.
The court further fixed the matter until June 19, for hearing.
From facts, the judge made the order sequel to an ex-parte application filed by the applicants, Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation & Minister of Justice.
The applicants had submitted that the proposed strike action is capable of disrupting economic activities, the health sector and the educational sector.
They claim that the strike may gravely affect the larger society and the well-being of the nation at large.
Counsel to FG, Maimuna Shiru also submitted that students of secondary schools nationwide, especially those writing WAEC exams will be affected and that the Tertiary institutions who just resumed after eight months ASUU strike will also be affected.
The application also stated that the strike will affect the health sector amongst other sectors; and above all, the economy of the nation.
The respondents have declared that they will embark on nationwide strike on Wednesday to protest the fuel subsidy removal that brought about the new pump price for the Premium Motor Spirit.